Noshing Around

Feb.16 through 23 is Arizona Beer Week, with various events, including special tastings and happy hours, highlighting the diverse—and exceptionally tasty—brews produced in our state. Participants include local breweries Barrio Brewing Co., Borderlands Brewing and Dragoon Brewing as well as out-of-towners such as Chandler's SanTan Brewing and Tempe's Four Peaks Brewery. For a full list of events, go to arizonabeerweek.com and type "Tucson" in the city search.

Pop Up BBQ Delivers the Goods

Pop-ups haven't quite taken hold in the Tucson restaurant scene, but that's not to say they aren't worth a try. Pop Up BBQ, 20 N. Stone Ave., is doing a fine job so far. According to their Facebook page, the folks at Pop Up BBQ are selling "Seattle-style BBQ featuring succulent lightly smoked beef and pork sandwiches with a coffee-based BBQ sauce." I don't have any other Seattle barbecue experiences to compare their food to, but I can say it is tasty. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., unless they run out of food sooner.

The History of Chiles

Do you like chiles? If you like Mexican food, the answer is probably yes. But it seems that they didn't exist in the pre-Hispanic Southwest. Say what? No spicy salsa or barbacoa? Paul Minnis, a professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma, will give a free lecture explaining why and how the pepper we love so much came to spice up our lives. Minnis' talk starts at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, at the Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center, 3584 E. River Road.

Here's a Tip: Remember Your Server on V-Day

This is a small plea from one who works in the restaurant biz. Please be kind to those who serve and prepare your meal if you're going out to dinner on Valentine's Day, one of the most hectic days of the year for restaurants. Flowers, a card and romantic dinner, and you're golden with your date. Remember that the servers bringing your food and pouring your wine don't get to take out their significant others, and the line cook who made your meal is in the back over a hot stove and not with his loved one. You want everything to be perfect, and so do we, but things happen sometimes. Please be kind to those working to make your night special. Thank you.